Adjustable clamp used in a tube splicing machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for splicing unvulcanized inner tubes. The machine employs a clamp which is adjustable for holding various size inner tubes. The clamp has a pair of end sections with configured recesses for receiving opposing edges of the inner tube and a pair of intermediate sections which are removably positionable in abutting relation between the end sections. Means are provided for varying the spacing between the end sections to accommodate different intermediate sections.

United States Patent Inventor Glenn D. Kerr Akron, Ohio Appl. No. 14,101

Filed Feb. 25, 1970 Patented Nov. 9, 1971 Assignee The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Akron, Ohio ADJUSTABLE CLAMP USED IN A TUBE SPLICING MACHINE 20 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl [56/503, 156/507 Int. Cl. B29h 15/04, 603d 15/04 Field of Search [56/502,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,541,696 2/1951 George 156/503 3,087,847 4/1963 Brugger et al. 156/503 X Primary Examiner-Benjamin A. Borchelt Assistant Examiner.l. J. Devitt Attorneys-F. W. Brunner and Harlan E. Hummer ABSTRACT: A machine for splicing unvulcanized inner tubes. The machine employs a clamp which is adjustable for holding various size inner tubes. The clamp has a pair of end sections with configured recesses for receiving opposing edges of the inner tube and a pair of intermediate sections which are removably positionable in abutting relation between the end sections. Means are provided for varying the spacing between the end sections to accommodate different intermediate sections.

PATENTEnunv 9 Ian SHEET 1 BF 3 IN VENTOR. GLENN D. KERR ATTORNEY PATENTEUunv 9 I97! SHEET 2 [IF 3 INVENTOR. GLENN D. KERR ATTORNEY PATENTEU 9 SHEET 3 [1F 3 INVENTOR. GLENN D. KERR ATTORNEY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A tube splicer is a machine for joining the exposed ends of a flat, sleevelike, unvulcanized rubber inner tube, which has been cut into predetermined lengths according to the size of the tube desired. The opposing ends of the inner tube are clamped in position on the machine and freshly cut. As soon as the cut is completed, the tube ends are brought together and held in compressive engagement for a predetermined period of time to complete the splice. The tube is then unclar'nped and removed from the machine.

Some machines employ clamps which are designed to hold only one particular size tube. This means that a large number of clamps must be kept on hand since many different size tubes are manufactured. Moreover, such clamps generally have side sections which are integral with the bottom section making them cumbersome to store and use. The invention is directed to providing and adjustable clamp which is readily adapted for use with a number of different size tubes, and whose component parts are easily stored.

Briefly stated, the invention is an adjustable clamp comprising a pair of end sections having configured recesses for receiving adjacent sides or edges of an inner tube, and a pair of intermediate sections, which are removably positioned in abutting relation between the end sections. The mechanism for mounting the end sections on the tube splicer is adjustable to vary the spacing between the end sections to accommodate different intermediate sections for various size tubes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The following description of the invention will be better understood by having reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a tube splicer showing the most essential features thereof;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the clamping assemblies used on the tube splicer;

FIG. 3 is a section viewed from the line 3-3 of FIG. 4 with one of the top clamp sections and other portions removed; and

FIG. 4 is a section viewed from the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawing, there is shown a machine 6 for splicing inner tubes, e.g. tube 7. The tube splicer 6 essentially comprises a clamp assembly 8 for holding the exposed ends 9 and 10 of the inner tube 7 in overhanging position for cutting, a squeeze assembly 11 for bringing the exposed tube ends 9 and'l0 into compressive splicing engagement immediately after the ends are cut, and a cutting assembly including a pair of cutting knives l2 and 13 (FIGS. 2-4) for cutting the tube ends 9 and I0, and cooperating cam followers 14 and 15 for guiding the knives l2 and 13 along a tube cutting pathway.

SQUEEZE ASSEMBLY The squeeze assembly 11 (FIG. 1) comprises a pair of squeeze tables 18 and .19 slidably mounted in spaced, aligned relation on a pair of guide rods, e.g. guide rod 20, which are mounted in parallel relation on a horizontally disposed platform 2] of the machine frame 22. The squeeze table 19, although fixed during normal operation of the tube splicer 6, is adjustable about one-fourth inch along the guide rods 20 to vary the position of the tube end 10 slightly in relation to the cutting knife I3. An adjusting screw 23 and manually operated hand crank 24 are used to change the axial position ofthe squeeze table 19.

The opposing squeeze table 18 is movable to bring the freshly cut tube ends 9 and 10 into compressive splicing engagement. A pneumatic cylinder 25 is provided for operating or reciprocating the squeeze table 18 along the guide rods 20.

A conventionally designed linkage system 26 is interposed between the squeeze table 18 and pneumatic cylinder 25 for exerting axial force against the squeeze table 18 in response to movement of the piston within the pneumatic cylinder 25.

CLAMP ASSEMBLY The clamp assembly 8 (FIGS. 1-4) comprises a pair of clamps 30 and 31 which are carried by the squeeze tables 18 and 19. A set of upstanding clamp presses 32 and 33 are mounted for unitary movement with the squeeze tables 18 and 19 and clamps 30 and 31.

Each of the clamps 30 and 31 (FIG. 2) comprises a pair of end sections 34 and 35 and intermediate, or top and bottom sections 36 and 37, which are positionable in abutting relation between the end sections 34 and 35. All of the clamp sections 34-37 are removable from the squeeze tables 18 and 19. Each of the clamp sections 34-37 includes a rigid portion 38 and a resilient portion 39, the rigid portion 38 being any suitable metal, e.g. steel, and the resilient portion 39 being a band of elastomeric material, e.g. rubber, which is molded and bonded to the metal portion 38. The exposed edges of the rubber bands 39 adjacent the tube ends 9 and I0, are in aligned, planar relation, when the clamp sections 34-37 are in clamping engagement with the inner tube 7.

Each of the end sections 34 and 35 include a specially configured recess 40 for receiving and surrounding the adjacent curved edges or sides 41 and 42 of the inner tube 7, when the tube is positioned in the clamps 30 and 31. Each of the end sections 34 and 35 are slidably keyed to adjacent guide blocks 43 and 44 to permit removal and replacement of the end sections 34 and 35. The end sections 34 and 35 and the guide blocks 43 and 44 form guideways, e.g. guideway 45, for receiving similar guide rails 46 extending in parallel relation from the squeeze tables 18 and 19. Each of the guide rails 46 extends between a pair of brackets 47 and 48 secured in upstanding relation on each of the squeeze tables 18 and 19. Thus, each pair of end sections 34 and 35are movable along a common axis, or adjacent guide rails 46.

An adjusting screw 49 is journaled for rotation in each pair of brackets 47 and 48, and a lug 50 projecting from each guide rail 46 intermediate the brackets 47 and 48. Each pair ofguide blocks 43 and 44 are adjustably mounted by any suitable means, e.g. slot 51 and bolt 52, on movers, e.g. mover 53, which are coupled to the adjusting screws 49 for movement therealong in response to rotation of the screws 49. Thus, the end sections 34 and 35 and attached guide blocks 43 and 44, are simultaneously moved toward or away from each other in response to rotation of the adjusting screws 49.

The abutting ends between each pair of end sections 34 and 35 and the bottom sections 37, as indicated at 54, are angularly disposed relative to the plane of the bottom sections 37 and converge in a direction above said sections, such that the end sections 34 and 35 compressively engage and hold the bottom section 37 firmly in position against the squeeze tables 18 and 19. The abutting edges of the top sections 36 and each pair of end sections 34 and 35, on the other hand, converge in an opposing direction or toward the lower sections 37 to permit moving the top sections 36 between the end sections 34 and 35 into and out of compressive clamping engagement with the tube 7 resting on the bottom sections 37.

An elongated slot 58 is disposed in the side 59 of each of the squeeze tables 18 and 19. A pair of slides 60 and 61 are disposed in each slot 58 in juxtaposed relation. Each pair of slides 60 and 6l carry specially configured projections 62 and 63, which are coupled to the movers 53 for unitary movement. Thus, the projections 62 and 63 and attached slides 60 and 61 are movable in unison with the guide blocks 43 and 44 and attached end sections 34 and 35.

The slides 60 and 61 and projections 62 and 63 define a guide pathway or cam surface along which the cam followers 14 and 15 roll to guide the knives l2 and 13 along a predetermined tube cutting pathway. The tube cutting pathway is generally concave, and the slides 60 and 61 act as a straight edge between the projections 62 and 63. Each pair of slides 60 and 61 are keyed together for relative axial movement. For example, the upper slide 60 is provided with an axial keyway 64 (FIG. 4) for slidably receiving a key 65 extending axially from the lower slide 61. A threaded screw 66 is provided for clamping the upper and lower slides 60 and 61 firmly together in cases where a great number of similar size tubes are being spliced.

The inner tube 7 is looped over a pair of upper jaws 68, which carry the top sections 36. The upper jaws 68 are slidably mounted on the clamp presses 32 and 33 by any suitable means. For example, the upper jaws 68 of clamp presses 32 and 33 (FIG. 1), are secured to a pair of parallel guides 69 and 70, which are each slidable along a pair of similar guide rods 71 and 72. A pneumatic cylinder 73, mounted on each clamp press 32 and 33, is coupled to the upper jaws 68 for moving the top sections 36 into and out of compressed clamping engagement with the tube 7 positioned on the bottom sections 37 between the end sections 34 and 35.

The knives l2 and 13 and their associated cam followers 14 and 15 are first moved to a position, indicated at A, adjacent the molds or clamps 30 and 31. The knives 12 and 13 are then moved transversely between the clamps 30 and 31 in cutting relation with the overhanging tube ends 9 and to a position, indicated at B, which is beyond the clamps 30 and 31. As seen in dotted line in FIG. 3, the cam followers 14 and guide the knives 12 and 13 along a predetermined tube cutting pathway as the knives 12 and 13 move transversely between the clamps and 31. A shoulder 74 is cut in the tube 7 adjacent each side 41 and 42 and extends beyond the intermediate concave section. The distance or width (D) of each shoulder 74 is varied slightly by adjusting the guide blocks 43 and 44 relative to the movers 53 and attached projections 62 and 63. This is accomplished by first loosening the bolt 52, slightly moving or adjusting the guide blocks 43 and 44 and then retightening the bolt 52 to reclamp the guide blocks 43 and 44.

The width (W) of the clamp sections 34-37 is generally the same. The cavities or recesses 40 for encompassing the tube sides 41 and 42, can be designed to accommodate individual tubes, or a number of different tubes, such that the end sections 34 and need not be removed and replaced every time different size tubes are spliced.

Thus, there has been provided a new and novel adjustable clamp for accommodating different size tubes.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A clamp for holding an unvulcanized inner tube in a tube splicing machine comprising:

a. a pair of end sections, including configured recesses for receiving adjacent opposing edges of an inner tube; and

b. a pair of intermediate sections removable from positions in abutting relation between the end sections and having solid planar surfaces between opposing ends thereof for contacting an inner tube between opposing edges of the tube in said recesses. I I

2. The clamp of claim I, which includes a band of elastomeric material bonded to each of the sections, the bands having exposed aligned ends when the clamp is assembled.

3. The clamp of claim 2, wherein the elastomeric material is rubber.

4. The clamp ofclaim 3, which includes:

c. means for holding the end sections in spaced, aligned relation on a tube splicing machine;

d. means for securing one of the pair of intermediate mold sections between the end sections on the machine; and

e. means for moving the otherof the pair of intermediate sections relative to the intermediate section secured between the end sections.

5. The clamp of claim 4, wherein the securing means includes:

f. means for varying the spacing between the end sections to accommodate different intermediate sections.

6. The clamp of claim 5, which includes:

g. means associated with the clamp for guiding a knife along a predetermined tube cutting pathway adjacent the exposed ends of the bands.

7. The clamp of claim 6, wherein the guiding means includes:

h. a straight edge having opposing ends;

i. a pair of configured projections extending from the straight edge adjacent the opposing ends thereof; and

j. means for varying the spacing between the projections in corresponding relation to the spacing between the end sections.

8. The clamp of claim 7, wherein the means for varying the spacing between the projections includes:

k. a pair of slides in juxtaposed relation for carrying the projections; and

m. means for mounting the slides for relative axial movement.

9. The clamp of claim 8, which includes:

ii. an elongated slot for at least partially receiving the slides and maintaining the slides in parallel sliding relation to the intermediate section secured between the end sections; and

0. means associated with the slot for clamping the slides together to maintain the projections in fixed spaced relation after the spacing therebetween has been adjusted in corresponding relation to the spacing between the end section.

10. The clamp of claim 9, wherein the means for mounting the slides for relative axial movement includes:

p. a key projecting in axial relation from one of the pair of slides; and

q. a keyway axially disposed in the other of the pair of slides and matingly configured to slidably receive the key.

11. The clamp of claim 7, wherein the means for varying the spacing between the end sections includes:

r. a pair of guide blocks for holding the end sections;

s. means for guiding the blocks along an axial pathway; and

t. an adjusting screw coupled to the blocks for moving the blocks simultaneously along the pathway when the screw is rotated.

12. The clamp of claim 11, which includes:

u. means for mounting the guide blocks and projections for unitary movement.

13. The clamp of claim 12, which includes:

v. means for adjusting the axial position of the end sections relative to the projections to vary the tube cutting pathway along which the knife moves.

14. The clamp of claim 13, which includes:

w. means for removably mounting the end sections on the guide blocks.

15. The clamp ofclaim 13, wherein the means:

w. includes l. a key projecting from each end section; and 2. a keyway disposed in each guide block and matingly configured to slidably receive a key of an end section.

16. The clamp of claim 13, wherein the means (e) for moving the other of the pair of intermediate sections includes:

x. means for raising and lowering the other section into and out of abutting relation between the end sections to clamp and unclamp a tube resting on the intermediate section secured between the end sections.

17. The clamp of claim 12, which includes:

y. means for moving the sections with a tube clamped therein relative to a similar axially aligned clamp carried by the machine.

18. A machine for splicing inner tubes, comprising in combination:

a. a pair of clamps for holding exposed ends of an inner tube in spaced relation, each clamp including:

l. a pair of end sections including a configured recess for receiving and surrounding adjacent edges of the tube, and a band of elastomeric material facing the sections adjacent the end of the tube.

2. a pair of intermediate sections removably positionable in abutting relation between the end sections for engaging the inner tube between its edges, the sections also including a facing band of elastomeric material adjacent the tube ends;

. means for moving one of each pair of intermediate sections into and out of compressive, clamping engagement with an inner tube positioned in the clamps;

means for varying the spacing between the end sections of the clamps, said means including:

3. a pair of guide blocks for carrying each pair of end sections;

4. means for guiding each pair of guide blocks along an axial pathway; and

5. means for moving each pair of guide blocks toward and away from each other in unison,

a pair of knives for cutting the tube ends adjacent the clamps;

means for moving the knives transversely between the clamps;

means for guiding each knife along a predetermined tube cutting pathway as it moves between the clamps, said means including:

6. a pair of spaced configured projections extending in a direction toward the knives as they move between the clamps;

7. a straight edge extending between the projections and defining a guide pathway therewith;

8. means for varying the spacing between the projections in corresponding relation to the spacing between the end sections of the clamp; and

9. a cam follower associated with each knife for rolling engagement along the guide pathway defined by the projections and straight edge to guide the knife along a corresponding cutting pathway;

g. means for moving the clamps towards each other in response to retraction of the knives out of interfering relation with the moving clamps, to bring the freshly cut tube ends into compressive splicing engagement.

19. The machine of claim 18, which includes:

h. means for coupling each guide block and corresponding projection together for unitary movement; and

i. means for adjusting the axial position of each guide block relative to its corresponding projection.

20. The machine of claim 19, which includes:

k. means for removably mounting each end section on an adjacent guide block, said means including a key projecting from the end section and a keyway disposed in the guide block for slidably receiving the key. 

2. The clamp of claim 1, which includes a band of elastomeric material bonded to each of the sections, the bands having exposed aligned ends when the clamp is assembled.
 2. a pair of intermediate sections removably positionable in abutting relation between the end sections for engaging the inner tube between its edges, the sections also including a facing band of elastomeric material adjacent the tube ends; b. means for moving one of each pair of intermediate sections into and out of compressive, clamping engagement with an inner tube positioned in the clamps; c. means for varying the spacing between the end sections of the clamps, said means including:
 2. a keyway disposed in each guide block and matingly configured to slidably receive a key of an end section.
 3. a pair of guide blocks for carrying each pair of end sections;
 3. The clamp of claim 2, wherein the elastomeric material is rubber.
 4. The clamp of claim 3, which includes: c. means for holding the end sections in spaced, aligned relation on a tube splicing machine; d. means for securing one of the pair of intermediate mold sections between the end sections on the machine; and e. means for moving the other of the pair of intermediate sections relative to the intermediate section secured between the end sections.
 4. means for guiding each pair of guide blocks along an axial pathway; and
 5. means for moving each pair of guide blocks toward and away from each other in unison, d. a pair of knives for cutting the tube ends adjacent the clamps; e. means for moving the knives transversely between the clamps; f. means for guiding each knife along a predetermined tube cutting pathway as it moves between the clamps, said means including:
 5. The clamp of claim 4, wherein the securing means includes: f. means for varying the spacing between the end sections to accommodate different intermediate sections.
 6. The clamp of claim 5, which includes: g. means associated with the clamp for guiding a knife along a predetermined tube cutting pathway adjacent the exposed ends of the bands.
 6. a pair of spaced configured projections extending in a direction toward the knives as they move between the clamps;
 7. a straight edge extending between the projections and defining a guide pathway therewith;
 7. The clamp of claim 6, wherein the guiding means includes: h. a straight edge having opposing ends; i. a pair of configured projections extending from the straight edge adjacent the opposing ends thereof; and j. means for varying the spacing between the projections in corresponding relation to the spacing between the end sections.
 8. The clamp of claim 7, wherein the means for varying the spacing between the projections includes: k. a pair of slides in juxtaposed relation for carrying the projections; and m. means for mounting the slides for relative axial movement.
 8. means for varying the spacing between the projections in corresponding relation to the spacing between the end sections of the clamp; and
 9. a cam follower associated with each knife for rolling engagement along the guide pathway defined by the projections and straight edge to guide the knife along a corresponding cutting pathway; g. means for moving the clamps towards each other in response to retraction of the knives out of interfering relation with the moving clamps, to bring the freshly cut tube ends into compressive splicing engagement.
 9. The clamp of claim 8, which includes: n. an elongated slot for at least partially receiving the slides and maintaining the slides in parallel sliding relation to the intermediate section secured between the end sections; and o. means associated with the slot for clamping the slides together to maintain the projections in fixed spaced relation after the spacing therebetween has been adjusted in corresponding relation to the spacing between the end section.
 10. The clamp of claim 9, wherein the means for mounting the slides for relative axial movement includes: p. a key projecting in axial relation from one of the pair of slides; and q. a keyway axially disposed in the other of the pair of slides and matingly configured to slidably receive the key.
 11. The clamp of claim 7, wherein the means for varying the spacing between the end sections includes: r. a pair of guide blocks for holding the end sections; s. means for guiding the blocks along an axial pathway; and t. an adjusting screw coupled to the blocks for moving the blocks simultaneously along the pathway when the screw is rotated.
 12. The clamp of claim 11, which includes: u. means for mounting the guide blocks and projections for unitary movement.
 13. The clamp of claim 12, which includes: v. means for adjusting the axial position of the end sections relative to the projections to vary the tube cutting pathway along which the knife moves.
 14. The clamp of claim 13, which includes: w. means for removably mounting the end sections on the guide blocks.
 15. The clamp of claim 13, wherein the means: w. includes
 16. The clamp of claim 13, wherein the means (e) for moving the other of the pair of intermediate sections includes: x. means for raising and lowering the other section into and out of abutting relation between the end sections to clamp and unclamp a tube resting on the intermediate section secured between the end sections.
 17. The clamp of claim 12, which includes: y. means for moving the sections with a tube clamped therein relatIve to a similar axially aligned clamp carried by the machine.
 18. A machine for splicing inner tubes, comprising in combination: a. a pair of clamps for holding exposed ends of an inner tube in spaced relation, each clamp including:
 19. The machine of claim 18, which includes: h. means for coupling each guide block and corresponding projection together for unitary movement; and i. means for adjusting the axial position of each guide block relative to its corresponding projection.
 20. The machine of claim 19, which includes: k. means for removably mounting each end section on an adjacent guide block, said means including a key projecting from the end section and a keyway disposed in the guide block for slidably receiving the key. 